What is programming?
In programming, a programmer creates a software program that can run on a machine. Programming involves creating code in a formally defined computer language. Programmers use a programming language for this purpose.
Classes and prototypes in JavaScript
There are countless of them in total, such as Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, C++ or C#, Perl, Rust and many many more. All programs therefore always consist of programmed code in a computer language.
What is programming about?
Programming is about writing a form of text that a machine can understand. This is why such a program text written in a special language is also called machine-readable. This means that a machine, including a computer, can understand and execute this text – created by humans and now also by other machines.
What do I learn from programming?
When learning programming, you will learn how a programming language works. You will understand exactly how even complex software works and how you can write your own programs. With this knowledge, you can command your computer to do anything! You can create new things from scratch.
Learn to program in 5 steps – How to start learning to program
We show you in 5 steps how to get started with programming!
In this article, we present the various ways in which you can learn to program in 5 steps. From a simple online course to studying at a university, everything is possible.
If you
program
the following questions arise:
- What do I actually need to learn programming?
- How can I learn programming?
- How do I start programming?
- What should I program? – Ideas for your first program
Programming is not as difficult as you might think.
What does a program need?
For a program to work, it needs a runtime environment – the technical basis in which it is executed. This environment ensures that the program works correctly on the target system by providing all the necessary resources and processes.
How do I create a software program?
As a developer, you create your program in a programming environment of your choice; software developers also call these programming environments Integrated Development Environments, in short IDE.
Software programs are therefore created in a programming environment, and a professional IDE offers you everything you need for development – from code editors and debugging tools to automated test functions. Whether you are writing a simple application or implementing a complex software project, a well-chosen IDE makes the development process more efficient and enjoyable.
🎮 Von Yars‘ Revenge zu modernen Innovationen in der Spieleentwicklung 🎙️
Spieleentwicklung bedeutet nicht nur Spaß – es ist auch ein genialer Einstieg in die Welt der Programmierung.
🎧 Warum die Spieleprogrammierung der perfekte Einstieg ins Programmieren ist:
Spiele fordern dich heraus, kritisch zu denken, komplexe Probleme zu lösen und durch praktisches Arbeiten zu lernen. Zudem siehst du deine Arbeit sofort in Aktion – und das motiviert!
🚀 Warum du diese Rock the Prototype Podcast Episode hören solltest:
In dieser besonderen Folge des Rock the Prototype Podcasts sprechen wir mit dem legendären ATARI-Spieleentwickler Howard Scott Warshaw, dem kreativen Kopf hinter Klassikern wie Yars‘ Revenge und Jäger des verlorenen Schatzes. Hier erfährst du:
- Praktische Lektionen: Wie die Spieleentwicklung moderne Softwarepraktiken geprägt hat.
- Kreative Innovationen: Wie die Einschränkungen der frühen Hardware Entwickler zu kreativen Lösungen zwangen.
- Grundlagen der Spieleentwicklung: Warum Grundkenntnisse in Assembly und Problemlösung entscheidend sind – und wie sie auch in anderen Bereichen der Programmierung nützlich sein können.
🎓 Spieleprogrammierung als Lernwerkzeug
Die Entwicklung von Spielen ist ein fantastischer Einstieg für angehende Entwickler:
- Sofortiges Feedback: Nimm eine kleine Änderung im Code vor und sieh dir die Wirkung direkt an.
- Vielseitige Fähigkeiten: Kombiniere Logik, Mathematik und Kreativität, um interaktive Welten zu erschaffen.
- Problemlösung: Lerne, Herausforderungen wie Performance-Optimierung und Benutzerinteraktion zu meistern.
Ob du Retro-Gaming liebst, als Entwickler durchstarten möchtest oder einfach mehr über die Evolution von Videospielen erfahren willst – diese Episode liefert dir Inspiration und wertvolle Einblicke für deinen Einstieg in die Programmierung.
🎧 Jetzt reinhören:
👉 Spotify – Rock the Prototype Podcast
👉 Apple – Rock the Prototype Podcast
💡 Tipp: Klein anfangen, groß träumen
Selbst ein simples Spiel – wie Pong oder ein einfacher Plattformer – kann dir die Grundlagen von Schleifen, Variablen und objektorientierter Programmierung beibringen. Von dort aus sind deiner Kreativität keine Grenzen gesetzt! Lass dich von der Spieleentwicklung inspirieren und starte dein Programmierabenteuer!
Where do programs run?
Most programs are programmed for computers ; in addition to the widely used personal computers, this also includes alternative devices such as a Raspberry Pi or a smart phone. IoT devices are also programmable devices, as they can be controlled by software programs… Even washing machines, coffee machines and many components in cars are so-called programmable devices.
What is structured programming used for?
Structured programming has proven to be an important method for the systematic design and development of programs. Structured programs are identified as compound function expressions in the algebra of functions. The algebraic properties of these function expressions allow the reformulation (expansion as well as reduction) of a nested sub-expression independently of its environment.
Designing and refining programs with modeling
These model the so-called program refinement and program execution step by step. Finally, structured programming is characterized by the selection and solution of certain elementary equations defined in the algebra of functions. These solutions can be given in general formulas, each containing a single parameter and showing all the freedom in creating correct structured programs.
What is the first program?
The British mathematician Ada Lovelace ‘s rule for calculating Bernoulli numbers is considered to be the world’s first computer program. She created the corresponding program for Charles Babbage ‘s mechanical analytical engine in 1842/1843. Even though the program could only be executed by hand at the time because there was no functioning computer machine in the 19th century, she recognized the great potential of using a machine as a calculator. Ada Lovelace can therefore rightly be considered the world’s first female programmer and the structured programming language Ada was named after her.
What is a problem-oriented programming language?
A problem-oriented programming language is broadly diversified and is developed and effectively used for very different areas such as microprogramming, circuit theory, operations research, information retrieval, sorting theory, structure of compilers, search procedures and language translation. Such a language allows a high degree of useful formalism. Formal computer languages rely heavily on a systematic extension of a small set of basic operations. Such basic operations are then performed on formal objects. These are, for example, vectors, matrices and logical structures such as trees. A variety of flexible selection operations can then be carried out on such objects. For example, a computer program can be used to control logical vectors in a computer game, which represent the game landscape consisting of polygons. On the other hand, there are high-level programming languages that follow the concept of object-oriented programming.
Learn programming quickly & easily now!
🎮 From Yars‘ Revenge to Modern Innovations in Game Development 🎙️
Diving into game development isn’t just about creating fun—it’s an incredible gateway into the world of programming.
🎧 Why Gaming is the Perfect Way to Start Programming:
Games challenge you to think critically, solve complex problems, and learn by doing. Plus, it’s an exciting way to see your work come alive in real-time!
🚀 Why You Should Listen to This Episode:
In this special Rock the Prototype Podcast episode, we sit down with legendary ATARI game developer Howard Scott Warshaw, the mind behind classics like Yars’ Revenge and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Here’s why this episode is a must-listen:
- Real-World Lessons: Discover how game development shaped modern software practices.
- Creative Innovation: Learn how constraints of early hardware pushed developers to think outside the box.
- Game Dev Foundations: See how foundational skills in assembly language and problem-solving translate into broader programming success.
🎓 Gaming as a Learning Tool
Game programming is an incredible starting point for new developers:
- Immediate Feedback: Code a small change and watch its effect instantly.
- Diverse Skillset: Combine logic, math, and creativity to build immersive experiences.
- Problem-Solving: Face challenges like performance optimization and user interaction.
Enjoy to learn more about software development in our Rock the Prototype Podcast
Whether you’re a retro gaming fan, a budding developer, or simply curious about the evolution of video games, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights to fuel your programming journey.
🎧 Listen Now:
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rock the Prototype Podcast: 👉 https://bit.ly/41pm8rL
🍎 Enjoy on Apple Podcasts: Rock the Prototype Podcast: 👉 https://bit.ly/4aiQf8t
💡 Pro Tip: Start Small, Dream Big
The simplest game—like Pong or a basic platformer—can teach you the fundamental concepts of loops, variables, and object-oriented programming. From there, the sky’s the limit! Let gaming spark your curiosity and kickstart your coding adventure!
